France blocks EU proposal to allow Ukraine purchase of British Storm Shadow missiles

The Telegraph reported the information.

A coalition of European capitals has proposed relaxing rules that would allow Ukraine to access British Storm Shadow cruise missiles through a massive loan program, two-thirds of which is designated for military equipment. However, Paris has emerged as a key opponent to the plan, insisting that European funds should strengthen EU manufacturers rather than flow to non-member states.

Under current guidelines, Ukraine must prioritize its own defense industry first, followed by EU producers, before considering purchases from outside the bloc. Ukrainian defense officials estimate they will need €24 billion worth of military equipment from non-EU sources this year, primarily American-made Patriot air defense systems and long-range missiles that European nations cannot readily supply.

The 11-nation coalition—including Baltic and Scandinavian states, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands—is proposing a four-tier purchasing system that would place Britain on the third level, ahead of the United States. Storm Shadow missiles have been identified as critical equipment to address gaps in Ukraine's defensive capabilities, particularly against Russian aerial bombardments.

"We're trying to do two things," a diplomatic source said. "One, make sure it's open enough for the UK to comfortably be there. Two, make sure the administrative burden on Ukrainians to reach that layer of the cascade is not so hard."

France's resistance stems from its broader push for EU strategic autonomy, particularly amid tensions with the Trump administration. Paris maintains that any Ukrainian aid should reinforce European defense manufacturing capacity, though critics within the EU argue this approach hampers Ukraine's immediate defensive needs.

Britain's position as a potential supplier has gained traction partly due to its leadership role in planning troop deployments to Ukraine as part of any future peace settlement. With British forces expected to serve alongside European counterparts while American troops remain absent, some EU members view UK defense investments as complementary to broader security objectives.

Eight additional countries, including Germany, have expressed support for facilitating British weapons purchases but have not formally joined the coalition. British diplomats are currently engaged in discussions with EU representatives and have been encouraged to strengthen outreach to the European Commission and Parliament, where France maintains significant influence on security committees.